Coming Soon: Two New Dining Destinations by a Michelin-Trained Chef Lead the Revival of a Historic Bowral Estate
The historic Milton Park estate will reopen in 2026 as Ardour Milton Park Bowral, and will be home to a refined pan-European dining room and an elegant, all-day charcuterie bar.
One of the Southern Highlands' most storied properties is getting ready to begin a new chapter. Milton Park — the 1910 country manor that's long been a local landmark — is being transformed by Salter Brothers Hospitality (Spicers Retreats, Bannisters) into Ardour Milton Park Bowral. Set to open in early 2026, the estate will serve as the flagship retreat for the group's new Ardour Hotels & Estates brand, which will bring a collection of similarly immersive escapes to some of Australia's most picturesque regional destinations.
The estate will be anchored by two distinct dining concepts: Horderns Restaurant and The Polo Bar. Both venues are housed within the grand homestead and led by Executive Chef Mark Holland (ex-Nomad, The Paddington Inn, Michelin-starred The Box Tree, UK), who joined the group in 2024. And while those names might be familiar to those who know the estate, the venues will be entirely reimagined under Holland's direction.
Horderns Restaurant (pictured above) will move into an expansive, sun-washed new space overlooking the estate's manicured gardens, nearly tripling its capacity from 38 to 102 seats. Holland's refined pan-European menu will spotlight seasonal Southern Highlands produce through communal dishes and tableside theatre, with select dishes served family-style and finished in front of guests. A new open kitchen pass will add to the sense of performance and bring diners closer to the action.
The Polo Bar (pictured below), meanwhile, will offer a relaxed yet sophisticated all-day setting for small plates and hand-cut charcuterie. A dedicated charcuterie room will showcase cured meats and artisan cheeses from producers across the Southern Highlands, the South Coast and beyond, complemented by a drinks program starring classic cocktails, regional wines, deluxe single malts, fine ports and aged cognacs.
The reimagined interiors, designed by Sydney firm MAC Design Studio, take cues from romantic European country manors while weaving in contemporary touches — vibrant greenery, jewel-toned seating and cascading pendant lighting are balanced by botanical motifs, terracotta and ochre tones, sculptural timber detailing and plush chocolate leather finishes. It's all part of a multimillion-dollar refresh that sets the stage for a new era at this historic estate.
Ardour Milton Park Bowral is slated to open in early 2026. For more information, head to the hotel's website.
